Packing an A+ lunch every day can be easy when you follow these 5 steps!

1. Keep it simple and ensure the meal incorporates fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and protein. Water to drink is always a great choice too!
2. Plan and prep beforehand. It can be helpful to have a rough schedule of what you plan to pack for the week. This can make grocery shopping, food prep, and packing so much easier.
3. Pack the night before. Trying to pack lunches during the chaos of mornings can lead to unbalanced meals. Skip the stress and do most of the work when you have time in the evening.
4. Get the kids involved. Although it’s the caregiver’s job to provide the food, kids can help by washing fruits and veggies, getting out supplies or filling water bottles.
5. Make it safe! Remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Use a good quality thermos or ice packs to ensure food stays fresh and free of bacteria. Don’t forget to regularly clean lunch kits and wash water bottles too!

The Untouched Lunch…

Are you frustrated when your child’s lunch comes home mostly untouched? There could be a variety of reasons why they
didn’t eat; however, it’s important to remember- it’s the child’s job to decide how much and whether to eat, not yours. It can be useful to get feedback from the child and discuss if there is anything you can do to help them eat more at lunch. Perhaps
pre-opening packages or sending less food if their appetite is typically low at noon.

It’s also helpful to get kids involved in packing their own lunches early on. They may be more inclined to eat a lunch they
had a hand in preparing themselves.

Nutrition Services Team 204-856-2055